JUNE - JULY 2022
V8 SUPERCARS With Jake Kostecki
Take time out in NZ
ELECTRIC DREAMS Embracing the Electric Revolution
TRAVEL
+ TRADIE LIFESTYLE + MORE!
E.O.F.Y
What you can claim
HEATED GEAR HEAT ON DEMAND
3 HEAT ZONES 3 HEAT SETTINGS
SCAN TO
LEARN MORE
WIND & WATER
RESISTANT
90+ SOLUTIONS ON ONE BATTERY SYSTEM
WASHER & DRYER
SAFE
BE PREPARED FOR ANYTHING WITH MILWAUKEE® HEATED JACKETS Performing work outdoors is a reality for many trades. During winter, your work gear is just as essential as your tools are to your productivity. It’s not as simple as throwing on any old jacket to keep you warm. You need a jacket to protect your body against the effects of wintry weather that doesn’t restrict your movements; one that can offer the right level of warmth, comfort and durability at any given moment—that can hold up in Australia’s fluctuating climate. Milwaukee Tool is committed to keeping tradespeople warm and comfortable in any conditions. Over the years, the company has developed a range of Heated Jackets that combine the portable power of their M12™ battery platform with carbon fibre heating technology. Joel Cuming, Senior Product Manager at Milwaukee Tool, says that the company has balanced the need to keep tradespeople warm in winter but not weigh them down with “bulky layers”. The M12™ Heated Jackets generate, distribute and maintain heat across core body areas using durable but lightweight carbon fibre heating elements between rugged exterior materials and thermal insulating liners. Custom-developed materials maximise durability and flexibility to protect against abrasion and tearing without limiting your movement. “By generating and trapping heat in, our M12™ Heated Jackets reduce the need to wear bulky layers,” Cuming says. When paired with the optimal M12™ REDLITHIUM™-ION battery*, Milwaukee Heated Jackets can deliver up to 8 hours of runtime for all-day warmth. The M12™ system offers more than 90 solutions and systemwide battery compatibility, so you can get the most efficient use out of your M12™ batteries by being able to use them with any M12™ power tools. All M12™ Heated Jackets come with an M12™ Compact Charger and Power Source (M12TC-0), but batteries are sold separately. The M12™ Heated Jackets allow you to calibrate your jacket’s temperature to match your needs throughout the day. Adjustable heat technology allows you to adapt to changing conditions by increasing or decreasing the heat level with the touch of a button. A single touch LED controller offers three heat settings per heat zone, so you can customise the amount of warmth you need at any moment. All M12™ Heated Jackets are also wind and water-resistant.
“We’ve continued to innovate in the Heated Gear space, and each season have been improving the design and functionality of the gear to allow the body to move freely while giving you enough warmth on even the coldest days,” he says. The latest additions to the Milwaukee Heated Gear range are the next generation M12™ Heated TOUGHSHELL™ Jackets. The new TOUGHSHELL™ stretch polyester has been reengineered to stretch and move as you work while retaining the strength of previous TOUGHSHELL™ jackets. The jackets feature FREEFLEX mobility gussets for enhanced movement with dropped shoulder seams and underarm gussets for improved flexibility. These TOUGHSHELL™ Jackets also feature a new battery pass-through that allows battery placement in the front or back pocket. The pass-through provides improved comfort by allowing users to relocate the battery to a more comfortable location based on the situation. TOUGHSHELL™ Jackets have three heat zones—the chest, back and pocket areas. The M12™ Heated Gear range also includes the popular M12™ AXIS™ Heated Jackets. The Jackets have three heat zones on the chest, back and shoulders. M12 AXIS™ Ripstop Polyester provides a lightweight, compressible design that makes it versatile enough to be worn as either an outer shell or mid-layer jacket. Reinforced high-wear zones protect the jacket from abrasion and tears. Cuming believes that what makes the M12™ Heated Jackets a great solution for tradespeople is that it’s built with the durable, reliable, Nothing but HEAVY DUTY™ quality that you get from Milwaukee power tools. “You don’t expect your tools to break down. Neither should your gear,” he says. Milwaukee Heated Jackets are the go-to work apparel for professionals across all trades, with the versatility to keep you warm in extreme chill outdoors and cold indoor conditions. It’s not just limited to job sites as it’s the gear you can turn to for any winter activities, whether it’s a weekend camping or fishing adventure or simply running an errand on a winter morning. Milwaukee Heated Gear keeps you warm in any scenario. Discover the full Milwaukee® Heated Gear range at milwaukeetool.com.au
*The M12™ Heated TOUGHSHELL™ Jacket (M12HJBLACKX0) delivers up to 8 hours runtime when used with M12™ REDLITHIUM™-ION 3.0Ah Battery (M12B3) and the M12 AXIS™ Heated Jacket provides up to 8 hours of runtime with M12™ REDLITHIUM™ 2.0Ah Compact Battery (M12B2).
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JUN - JUL 2022
3
AUSTRALIA’S GREATEST SMOKO TOOL
THE
AUSTRALIA’S GREATEST SMOKO TOOL
THE
TRADIES FAR AND WIDE Great to have you back!
www.thetradie.net Thanks for joining us for another issue of The Tradie Mag!
www.facebook.com/ thetradiemag www.twitter.com/ thetradie
We hope you’re as happy as we are to see this fresh read sitting on the counter at your local tool shop or on the table in the crib hut. With the throws of Covid-19 well and truly behind us, sport and events are back on the cards! To celebrate, we chat to Jake Kostecki from Supercars about the upcoming Townsville 500. Plus, we let you in on all the tips
www.instagram.com/ thetradiemag
and tricks when considering a holiday across the ditch. It’s the perfect place to take some time off, located only three hours from the east coast of Australia and offering an abundance of epic activities to do and things to see. For the serious stuff, we get into all things EOFY, plus tips on getting paid on time and all about current tool trends. #Shoutout to the Tradie Ladies too, we’re shining the light on some talented chicks from page 12. Get into it, guys and gals. Until next time…
PUBLISHER Patrick McElligott PO Box 670, Stones Corner Qld 4120 Ph (+61) 449 572 142 patrick@ttmediagroup.com.au www.transtasmanmediagroup.com
06
Tool Up: Tips for your toolbox
12 15 17
Lady Tradies
20
EOFY: What you can claim
24
Beaut Utes
28
Bits and pieces for your work whip
32
Free stuff
40
Tradie Lifestyle
42
Take time out in NZ
46
Exploring Rarotonga
50 52 53
Undie Fun Run
58
Supercars with Jake Kostecki
60
Tune out with Jimmy Barnes
Health & Safety Getting paid on time
Boys Toys: Electric edition EV’s are taking over
Editor Aly Marshall aly@ttmediagroup.com.au
Advertising Sales Brian Hartley brian@ttmediagroup.com.au
Graphic Design & Production Dallas Neilsen dallas@ttmediagroup.co.nz
Julie Bosevski julieb@ttmediagroup.com.au
Printing www.printcraft.com.au
Liam Daly liam@ttmediagroup.com.au M: 0405 497 423
Disclaimer: Views expressed in the The Tradie magazine are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher. No responsibility is accepted by the publisher or the printer for the accuracy of information contained in the text or advertisements. Advertisements must comply with the relevant Trade Practices Act 1979. Responsibility for compliance with the acts rests with the person, company or advertising agency submitting the advertisement. Neither the publisher nor the editor accepts responsibility for advertisements.
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With automation playing a major role in almost every sector, the importance of power tools has increased like never before. Gone are those days when handheld tools were the only option Tradies could rely on. Take a look around your work site or shed – how many tools could you live without? Needless to say, they all play a vital role in a trade workers day-to-day life. It’s no surprise that the global power tool market is skyrocketing ahead in value. Turn the page to learn more about the power behind our power tools in today’s global economy… >> continues on page 7 6
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Revolutionary technology that has changed the face of different industries across the world, the global power tools market is projected to witness a rise in its revenue from $32 million USD in 2021 to $43 million USD by 2027, according to data released by Astute Analytica. A robust companion to have by your side on site, power tools are primarily used to cut, wrench, saw drill and polish materials. The demand of the global power tools market is attributed to factors such as the growing application of power tools in the construction industry and the adoption of cordless power tools across the worl. With constant developments in the construction industry, the demand for machinery and advanced tools and equipment has increased on a massive scale. As a result, the growing use of drills, sanders, wrenches, and other tools in this sector is augmenting the demand for these much-needed tools. If you work on site, you’ll know that cordless power tools are gaining extensive acceptance and implementation in both the home and the workplace. Cordless power tools include a wide range of battery-powered tools, such as hammer drills, impact wrenches, and circular saws, as well as nailers and staplers, plus more. These sorts of cordless tools are ideal for sanding, welding, metalworking, cutting, and a huge range of other applications which is propelling the market growth. However, the high maintenance cost along with regular price fluctuations in raw materials of power tools are limiting the growth of the power tools market globally.
Drilling and fastening tools are hot property In terms of tool type, the power tools market is segmented into drilling and fastening tools, demolition tools, sawing and cutting tools, material removal tools, routing tools, air-powered tools and others. The drilling and fastening tools segment are estimated to have the highest market share in 2021 and this is projected to continue its dominance over the forecast period. The rising demand for drilling and fastening tools from various end use industries such as automotive and aerospace manufacturing plants are driving the market share of power tools in the global market. Electric tools hold the highest market share Based on mode of operation, the power tools market is segmented into electric, pneumatic and hydraulic tools. Among these, the electric segment held the highest share in the power tools market last year. This is due to the rise in demand of power tools from wide range of industries including construction, automotive, aerospace, energy, and shipbuilding coupled with growing adoption of cordless tools among industrial and residential users. Furthermore, the advent of powerful battery packs has resulted in the increased power of electric tools. Industrial applications take the lead Based on application, the power tools market is bifurcated into industrial and residential. Industrial application segment had the highest share of the power tools market in 2021. An increased technological innovation and adoption of advanced technologies is expected to drive the industrial applications in the power tools market.
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A Tradie’s tools:
Power drill Drills are ridiculously useful and not just for drilling holes and screwing in bolts - there are tons of variations in the types of drills available. Armed with the right attachment you can even use a drill to mix paint or cement. Power drills save time and energy when you’re doing those big jobs and are a valuable tool in your handyman tool kit. Power saws While not every power saw will be equally useful for every handyman, it’s helpful to know what essential power saws are out there. Even if you don’t buy them all upfront, building up your handyman toolset over time is what it’s all about. A circular saw is essential for heavy cutting. With the proper blade, there’s just about nothing it can’t slice through. It’ll save you a ton of time, not to mention sweat and likely even tears. A jigsaw is useful for small and delicate cutting jobs. Think of it like a mini circular saw it has the same power but on a smaller scale. Nail gun Don’t be intimidated by its name, when used properly a nail gun is very safe, efficient and easy. Even if you don’t plan on hammering in dozens of nails a day, a nail gun will save you a ton of effort and time on those bigger projects. Everything cordless There are many cordless power tools on the market that offer modern day convenience and run on simple batteries or rechargeable battery packs. From impact drivers to flashlights, there are a lot of options out there. Many hardware stores even sell cordless power tools in sets which can be convenient and cost-effective.
Of course, traditional tools are great, too. The team at hipages share their tips on a Tradie’s must-have tools in more detail at hipages.com.au.
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9
DO MORE
WITH KREG When you have a long list of projects to complete, Kreg tools are there to help you get the job done more efficiently. Take on projects of all kinds with Kreg tools for every step of the process – from cutting, to joining, to adding those finishing touches. With Kreg, you’ll always get simple, accurate, and efficient solutions for creating high-quality wood projects.
Find these products and so much more at kregtool.com.au or your local Kreg dealer. JOINING CUTTING CABINET SOLUTIONS
ROUTING WORKSPACE
Globalcote manufactures high quality coatings... Interior/Exterior Paint Globalcote manufactures a complete range of paint solutions to help you complete your project with ease and on budget. Our range includes paint for both interior and exterior applications, as well as preparations for a variety of substrates.
Roof Coatings The extreme flexibility and bridging capability of Globalcote waterproof membranes make them the ideal choice for renovations, restorations and new work. The Globalcote range is 100% acrylic, low VOC, environmentally friendly, waterproof, dirt repellent, tough, durable and highly flexible, allowing it to withstand elements of weathering.
Heat Reflective Coatings
Infracote uses technology to reflect the sun’s radiation away from the roof surface. It works by targeting the invisible infrared portion of the sun’s radiation which means coated surfaces stay cooler and the coating will last longer.
Concrete Coatings Cretecote is a 100% acrylic range of concrete paint for colouring concrete and cementitious substrates providing high durability, versatility, superior adhesion and ease of application. It is fast drying, washes up with water and is low odour.
Paint Accessories & Equipment Globalcote also stock a wide range of paint accessories and equipment.
Visit our showroom located at... 51 Neumann Road Capalaba
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Phone 1300 928 826
Full name: Roxanne (Roxy) Donaghey Role: Truck driver Employer: Axle’s Earthmoving and Civil Works
Tradies
Construction is the most male-dominated industry in Australia, with women making up only 12 per cent of the workforce and even less in operational roles. Surprisingly, despite measures for diversity this gap is getting worse, not better. Roxanne is one of the rare female Tradies who, at the tender age of 21, hung up the heels as a medical receptionist to enter the male-dominated world of earthmoving and has never looked back, especially now in her role at Axle’s Earthmoving. “The truck is my office and I love it,” Roxanne said. Having now worked in the industry for 10 years, she loves the variety of her workplace but admits that the older male population in particular are still struggling to accept female co-workers, especially younger women. “They sometimes believe they don’t belong in the industry,” she said. Roxanne believes women shouldn’t be discouraged from entering the field as people become extremely accepting of you once you showcase the skills you can offer. She encourages young women to “have no fear,” and step into this industry as it offers so many benefits.
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I enrolled in a few truck driving lessons and passed my licence first time! It cost me $3,000 which at the time was a lot of money to someone relying on a receptionist wage, but upon reflection now 10 years later, it was the best $3,000 I ever spent! These days I mostly drive the trucks and sometimes some of the machines, although truck driving is really my specialty. The truck is my office and I love it. There is not much done to directly target young women for these roles. This causes the reduced visibility of a trade being a career option for women due to the lack of exposure outside of meeting someone who works in the industry by chance. I think companies are recognising the need to develop a strategy to increase the number of women in “non-traditional” roles. They need to have job advertisements that actually attract women to the industry and also publicise case studies of successful women in these industries as there are so many inspirational stories to be told. At Axle’s, every day is different and I am always learning. Also, the crew and the team are really accepting of me. The crew has a great moral and we have lots of fun bantering and playing practical jokes throughout the day. Axle’s treats everyone equally and fairly, which I really appreciate. I don’t want to be singled out any more than what I am.
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LADY TRADIEs The next generation of Tradies is emerging as the nation’s construction industry continues to thrive following a record year of house builds commencing in 2021.
From nail tech to chippie The Housing Industry Association (HIA) is forecasting 125,000 houses are expected to begin construction this year across Australia, following a record 149,000 last year. This is driving hot demand for tradespeople until at least the end of 2023. HIA’s General Manager Apprentices, Russell Holtham said TAFE NSW plays a critical role in the training of HIA apprentices in residential building trades in New South Wales. “Vocational education is a key pathway into the construction industry. TAFE NSW offers students an invaluable combination of theory and practical experience, which combined with HIA’s apprentice offering means graduates are ready to hit the ground running.” The NSW government last year announced support for 3,000 training places for women in trades with the funding intended to remove the cultural and social barriers keeping women from building sites. New research reveals women comprise only two per cent of workers in construction. TAFE provides women with pathways into a range of construction trades and already boasts a comparatively higher proportion of female enrolments in construction courses at nine per cent. 14
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TAFE NSW Nowra student Reana Bidois is studying a Certificate III in Carpentry and is an apprentice with BPL Contracting in Nowra and on the South Coast. Reana is among a growing number of women who are capitalising on the construction boom to gain new skills, qualifications, and a new career in an industry with variety and opportunity for growth. Since she was a teenager, she’s wanted to follow in her father’s footsteps and learn a trade. “After school I started out in hair dressing and was a nail technician for a while. I Then had a trucking business in Sydney for a while, but I always wanted to be a Tradie.” “When I moved back to Nowra a few years ago I decided to become a carpenter. I started out as a laborer and was offered an apprenticeship.” “I would encourage young women coming out of school to consider a trade as their thinking about their future. Girls often talk about nursing, hairdressing, and beauty but I wouldn’t overlook a trade.” “I think as a society we’re really coming around to seeing more equality between men and women, but I think the more we see women taking the step to follow their passion and jumping into a trade, the move we will move this thinking forward.” “Being a woman in this trade isn’t something I give a lot of thought to. The tradesmen I work with don’t treat me any different. I’d say don’t be scared to try a trade, (…) go for it.”
HEALTH+SAFETY
stats wrap: Work-related injury fatalities Tradies more than anyone understand the hazards they face when they show up to work each day. Being at the fore of one of the nation’s most dangerous industries places a major importance on health and safety, from procedures to PPE, and much more.
Not surprisingly, vehicle collisions, being hit my moving objects and other mechanisms were among the highest range of risk when considering fatalities at work. Falls from height and being hit with falling objects came in next.
In 2021, Work Safe Australia released data sets which provide national statistics on all workers and bystanders fatally injured in the workplace. This data draws on a range of information sources including initial reporting of fatalities and other investigative reports.
Take a look at this snapshot of last year’s data to see how your occupation fare when it comes to workplace risk and workplace fatalities from 2003 to 2020.
Fatalities by occupation, 2020
Fatalities by industry, 2020
Use this knowledge to take extra care on-site, Tradies!
Business
You know what they say about death and taxes… Well, if you are reading this, you’re not dead and it’s that time of year again. But what could make doing your taxes even worse is a tax audit on your business accounts. Being investigated by the ATO can be a stressful and time-consuming event, and tradie businesses are not immune. A tax audit can come out of nowhere and you may need to hire external professionals like an accountant or bookkeeper to help you with the process.
The policy offers coverage for the costs of accountants and other external fees incurred through an audit notified to the insured during the period of cover.
It can take a while for these accountants to prepare all the information for the ATO and, depending on the scale and severity of the audit, the cost could potentially run into the thousands.
Running a small tradie business is stressful at the best of times let alone when you have the drama of the ATO breathing down your neck. Luckily, with BizCover your Tax Audit insurance doesn’t have to be!
This is where Tax Audit Insurance comes in, as it covers a business for specified costs in responding to an official tax audit by the ATO or state tax authority.
Jump online and visit bizcover.com.au or give us a call today to explore policies that are available to you. With multiple competitive quotes to choose from online, you could get it done over smoko.
Tax Audit cover is usually a section within a Business Insurance (BizPack) policy – an insurance package designed to provide cover for your business contents, stock, tools, and commercial premises when an insured event occurs (such as fire, storm, theft, or even accidental damage). However, it can also sometimes be purchased individually under a BizPack.
*This information is general only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. It should not be relied upon as advice. As with any insurance, cover will be subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions contained in the policy wording. © 2022 BizCover Pty Limited, all rights reserved.
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Business
GETTING The
rule:
By Tracie Ellis
Work smarter and boost profits We all want to find a way to work smarter, not harder right? How often do you come home to a mountain of quoting and admin work after a hard day’s work and you think to yourself, “There has to be a better way!” Understanding how the 80/20 rule applies to your business, whether you are a plumber, electrician, builder or anything in between, can not only help your bottom line, but also contribute to significant business growth! Applying the 80/20 rule works in a few ways: 1. 2. 3.
20% of your customers generate 80% of your net profit; 20% of the goods or services you sell contribute to 80% of your revenue, and; 20% of your staff create 80% value for your customers.
Study your business Who are your top 20 per cent clients that generate 80 per cent of your profits? Or on the flip side who are the clients who are a constant headache? You find yourself revisiting your quotations several times, they complain throughout the project and you may even need to revisit the job to complete work that wasn’t even in the scope! That is the 80 per cent of client contact which makes up 20 per cent of your profits!
The 80/20 rule highlights what is important and what is not, and places emphasis on not sweating the small stuff (or the clients you should really cut loose) If 80 per cent of complaints are coming from 20 per cent of your customers, instead of turning yourself inside out trying to please them, wouldn’t it be better to focus on the customers who love your work and contribute to your profits? Focussing on the customers who provide you with most of your profits by finding new ways to assist them will provide longer customer lifetime values and more referrals and repeat business. This is how the 80/20 rule works in your favour. Twenty per cent of your tasks will bring 80 per cent of your results, so focussing on that 20 per cent becomes your top priority. If you have time left over in your day, you can get started on the other 80 per cent.
Practice makes perfect The 80/20 rule is not about doing less work. It’s about establishing the most valuable areas in your business and fine tuning your focus on them. Everyone is time poor. But instead of wishing for more time in your day, why not use your time to only do the most important things? When you start to adopt the 80/20 rule, you will notice that you have time left over – your work quality and productivity will be higher. Enabling you to prioritise your day like never before. All because you know all the essential actions that will help you get the best results. The best part of using the 80/20 rule in your business, is that it is repeatable and cumulative. The more you repeat it, the more value you get! Tracie is Managing Director of TAE Projects, delivering commercial refurbishment projects, predominantly in the accommodation sector. Tracie is also the Founder & CEO of Renovators Directory, an online platform bringing the entire home improvement sector together Australia-wide. Learn more at renovatorsdirectory.com.au.
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A Tradify case study When Aussie plasterer Jon Szabo first launched JS Plastering, he admits things were disorganised. He used a paper diary to keep track of jobs, but even that was a best-case scenario, he says. Mostly, he just tried to keep track in his head. That was, until he found Tradify — the job management app for Tradies. “It was all pen and paper, files, and there were things everywhere. I lost track of it, it just got messy. My bookkeeping skills were next to none.” Fed up, Jon decided that if he wanted to take his business further, something needed to change. He found that a lot of Tradies were recommending Tradify, so he gave it a crack and never looked back. He says that using his phone to access job info where and when he needs it has been a game-changer. Professional quoting Before Tradify, Jon found quoting tough. He’d relied on hand-written notes to quote. With Tradify, they’re far more professional. Jon spends half the amount of time on quoting as he once did. “I can probably finish a quote within half an hour to an hour. There’s no risk of missing pieces of paper.” Smart scheduling feature “The best thing I’ve found with it is the scheduling feature.” Tradify’s Scheduler means Jon can confidently take on more work and give his customers the attention they need. No more over-booking or double-booking! Accounting software integration “Because Tradify links with Xero, I’m in the office less than I was before.” Tradify’s compatibility with Xero, QuickBooks, and MYOB, automates the financial admin and gives Jon more control over his finances. After what it’s done for his business, Jon’s become a strong advocate for Tradify. “If I see someone asking for a good job scheduling program, I’ll always recommend Tradify.”
Less admin, more time, more money. Supercharge your trade business with Tradify. The job management app trusted by 30,000+ tradies.
LIMITED TIME EOFY DEAL Get 50% off your first 6 months
Start your 14-day FREE trial by scanning the QR code or learn more at tradifyhq.com/eofyau22
Finance
EOFY: Let’s lodge Stuck on where to start in terms of your tax to-do’s? Block out some time in July, because generally, in the final weeks of the month is the best time to lodge to take advantage of the pre-fill information available in myTax, or with your tax agent. What is pre-fill information, you ask? Pre-fill information is the data the ATO already has in their systems, plus the information provided to them by third parties, including your employer, banks, government agencies and private health insurance providers. Can we hear a little praise for the pre-fill time save! If you wait for pre-filled information to be available
before completing your tax return, all you have to do is review the information and add any missing details or update incorrect details. This way you're less likely to miss any income that you must include – and you don’t want that, because everything you include counts towards your total taxable income and could bring your bottom line down, meaning you could pay less tax. If you prefer to lodge sooner, you’ll need to ensure you declare all your income. This includes income from any cash jobs, the sharing economy, your second job, foreign sources and capital gains. Learn more about EOFY for Tradies on the following pages >>>
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Finance
EOFY:
What you can claim
Did you know? Electric Vehicles act as an excellent tax write-off and can also come with a host of government subsidies that can positively impact your business? Read more about the Electric Vehicle revolution from page 52 or check out Electric Dreams Exhibition at www.electricdreams-exhibition.com.au 20
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Finance
Tax time is overwhelming for most people and for time poor Tradies this is no exception. If you're a Tradie, you’ll be pleased to know there is a treasure trove of things you can claim to keep your tax down and add value to your business. What you can claim depends on whether you're an employee or a small business owner, so we’ll help you break it down. Buying assets for your business If you own a small business, you can immediately deduct the business portion of the cost of eligible new or second-hand depreciating assets purchased for your business from 6 October 2020 until 30 June 2022. For assets purchased before this period, you can immediately deduct the business portion of the cost of eligible new or a second-hand depreciating asset where it costs less than the relevant threshold amount. Things to know The temporary full expensing measure allows eligible businesses with an aggregated turnover under $5 billion to immediately deduct the business portion of the cost of eligible depreciating assets. The assets must be first held and first used or installed ready for use for a taxable business purpose between 6 October 2020 and 30 June 2022. Small businesses can immediately deduct the business portion of the cost of: An eligible new or second-hand depreciating asset, and; improvements to an existing asset if the improvement costs are incurred between the above-mentioned dates. If temporary full expensing doesn't apply to an asset, you may still be able to apply the existing instant asset write-off. Chat to your accountant to learn more about this. So, how do this work? For each asset first used or installed ready for use between 12 March 2020 and 30 June 2021 and purchased by 31 December 2020, the instant asset write-off threshold amount is $150,000. Eligibility extends to businesses with an aggregated turnover of less than $500 million. You can claim a deduction for each asset first used or installed ready for use, costing less than the relevant threshold amount. The instant asset write-off eligibility criteria and thresholds have changed over time, so make sure you check the eligibility criteria for your business. For a small business, this deduction applies to most assets, whether the asset you bought is new or secondhand. You claim the deduction in your tax return in the year the asset was first used or installed ready for use.
Tax depreciation incentives and what you can claim You might be surprised at the assets you can claim. Items that incur an immediate deduction under temporary full expensing or instant asset write-off include: • • • • • • •
A car or ute • Drills Electric sanders and saw • Grinder Leaf blowers and lawn mowers • Nail guns High-pressure water cleaners • Concrete mixers Ladders • Tool boxes Work lights • Shelving and storage Computers, laptops and tablets, plus more.
Naturally, what you can claim depends on whether you're an employee Tradie or a small business. For employee Tradies Employee Tradies can claim a deduction for expenses incurred if you spent the money yourself and were not reimbursed or it was directly related to earning your income and you have a record to prove it. If your expense was for both work and private purposes, you can only claim a deduction for the work-related portion. To claim business expenses the money must have been spent for your business (not a private expense). If it is for a mix of business and private use, only claim the portion that is related to your business. You must have a record to prove this. You can also claim for protective clothing or items. You can claim a deduction for protective clothing or items if they provide a sufficient degree of protection from the risk of illness or injury posed by the activities undertaken to earn your income and the risk is not negligible or remote. This may include protective clothing and footwear such as hi-vis vests and steelcapped boots, and protective and safety equipment, as well as occupational health and safety equipment such as safety glasses, safety helmets and earmuffs, or sunscreen, sunhats and sunglasses where you are required to work outdoors. You can also claim a deduction for tools or equipment if you use them for work purposes. For example, if you buy a ratchet set for $350 you can only claim the decline in value of the set, even if you could buy each of the individual ratchets for less than $300 each. However, if in a later income year, you buy an additional socket to replace part of the set you have lost, you can claim the full cost of the socket if it costs less than $300. Specific details apply, so check ato.gov. au for more details. There is much more to tax time for Tradies including what else you can claim and how to do it. For details on how to make the most of your tax this year, read up on ato.gov.au or contact your accountant.
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Trade up to a real Tradie’s van with Tradies are a demanding lot – and PEUGEOT understands that you have to be. Builders, subcontractors and customers are relying on you, so you need a business partner that you can rely on too – like the new PEUGEOT Expert Van. Designed to deliver outstanding productivity and efficiency, Expert Van is an ever-popular mid-size van that boasts advanced technology, safety and driving pleasure. There are three van models – and a number of both short and long body versions – across the PEUGEOT Expert Van range making it a tradie favourite that delivers on all levels. Expert Van has been built for business, with everything you need to get the job done. It’s your anywhere office and everywhere workhorse, that’s a true extension of your business. PEUGEOT understands that your van is also a workshop, storage unit, office, meeting space, lunchroom, refuge from the weather – and it needs to be a robust set of wheels! Now more versatile than ever, Expert Van delivers cutting-edge tech, safety, maximum flexibility and uncompromising style. Choose from the innovative City, Pro or Premium models – while there is also a limited Special Edition Sport model. Building on its award-winning history, the new Expert Van is reliable and super capable with car-like driving dynamics and all-round comfort. Getting around town is effortless due to the fuel efficient, yet responsive PEUGEOT 2.0L HDi turbo diesel engine that boasts lots of pulling power. Nimble handling and zippy manoeuvrability make light work of city driving, with your
choice of 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission. Jump behind the wheel and you’ll appreciate the cabin comforts including the ergonomically designed i-CockpitTM with intuitive dashboard layout, high quality detailing and compact steering wheel. Up front there are three seats, air conditioning, cruise control, electric windows and a steel bulkhead with window. While the Pro and Premium variants feature an 8” touchscreen with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto.™ Step up to the Premium variant and get the MODUWORK versatile cabin complete with additional underseat storage and a flip-down workstation that lets you catch up on work on the go. But as all Tradies know, functionality is the key and out the back the Expert Van boasts a 1.4-tonne payload and a practical design that delivers maximum space use and productivity. Expert Van comes in both short and long body versions with 180 degree opening swing doors at the back and dual sliding doors on most models. Short body models feature 5.3 cubic metres of load space and long body models take up to 6.1 cubic metres of cargo. There’s also a handy load-thru flap on Pro and Premium models that not only adds an extra half a cube of storage space, but also extends the internal load length to over 4 metres on the long body versions. Plus, Expert Vans featuring the clever Moduwork mobile office system, allowing for more flexible cargo configurations. PEUGEOT understands that you’re on the road all day, so Expert Van has been built with advanced safety features, seamless technology and driver and passenger airbags. All models feature Electronic Stability Control and a wideview Reverse Camera & Sensors, while you can step up to add Autonomous Emergency Braking and Speed Sign Detection. All models also have the added security of riding on a chassis built on PEUGEOT’s EMP-2 SUV platform, providing the basis for safe and secure handling, steering and braking. All PEUGEOT vans feature a 5 Year/200,000 km warranty and 5 years roadside assist, while Peugeot Financial Services offers a range of flexible finance offerings to suit your business. Plus with Expert Van coming in three model levels, there’s one for every budget. For more information visit https://www. peugeot.com.au/peugeot-professional/ commercial-vans.
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*Overseas model shown.
NEW EXPERT VAN With 5-year/200,000 KM Warranty2 + 5-year Roadside Assist3 Ends 30th June 2022.
Contact your Peugeot Professional dealership today *Offers available at participating PEUGEOT dealers and excludes fleet, government and rental buyers. Not available in conjunction with any other offer. PEUGEOT Australia reserves the right to change, supersede or extend these offers at its discretion. 1. ABN Holder Factory Bonus available on new PEUGEOT Expert Vans sold between 01/04/2022 and 30/06/2022 and delivered by 30/06/2022 or while stocks last. 2. 5 year/200,000km (whichever occurs first) Warranty on all new PEUGEOT LCV vehicles. Subject to terms, conditions and exclusions. Visit https://www.peugeot.com.au/aftersales-services/warranty/. 3. 5 year Roadside Assist on all new PEUGEOT vehicles, terms & conditions apply. Visit https://www.peugeot.com.au/aftersales-services/roadside-assist/.
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Australia has voted and named the Ford Ranger Australia’s best-looking ute. Over 1,000 votes were surveyed, with each asked to rate utes from Toyota, Mazda, Holden, Ford, Isuzu, LDV, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Mercedes and Volkswagen. Not only were we looking to find out what drivers really want in the look of a ute, but to answer the important questions like: “Does the type of person who drives a Ford Ranger just want to be a tough guy? Does Toyota’s reliability make them utterly boring? And should Volkswagen stick to making sensible cars for sensible people?” The aggressive-looking Ford Ranger Ute was voted the best looking overall, narrowly edging out the Isuzu D-Max for top honours. A poll carried out by our friends at Bloke Vote, the Ranger received votes thanks to its large and imposing looks. This was a consistent theme amongst the voters with words like tough, aggressive, solid and rugged being used to describe the design. The question is, does the car look tough, aggressive, solid and rugged, or does it just make drivers feel that way? Maybe it’s both. Car buffs will know that Ford Ranger campaigns have certainly played on this interesting quirk, particularly in male psychology that requires them to have a car that makes them feel tough! So, how does this translate into sales? Well, in 2021 the Ford Ranger was the second most popular car overall in Australia. Tradies too, like the aggressive styling of the Ford Ranger with better scores than the overall group. From a Tradie’s perspective, the reliability, toughness, style and generous deals for ABN holders make the Ford Ranger the first choice. Moving on to second place, the Isuzu D-Max missed out on the top spot by a narrow margin overall. Unlike the Ford, voters seemed to appreciate the detail of the D-Max’s design features rather than just its overall “toughness”. 24
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Ute fanatics did mention that the Isuzu appealed to them because it looked modern, bold, and had the best design of the lot. Toughness was still a key factor in their decision making, however, this wasn’t the overwhelming feedback like with the Ranger. This attention to design and what its target audience wants has been reflected in sales numbers, with Isuzu’s total sales up 61 per cent in 2021, and the D-max the sixth overall. Finishing out the podium in third was the Toyota Hilux, where brand value underlines the sentiment toward the looks of the ute. Reliability may not be the sexiest way to describe your partner, but when it comes to choosing a ute, Toyota’s renowned brand value and reliability seem to be the thing that gets ute lovers all hot and heavy. Sales numbers reflect this with the Hilux the number one selling vehicle in Australia in 2021. The Volkswagen Amarok came in as the best of the rest and seemed to be the one you choose if you’re not that interested in any. Reflecting the German brand’s conservative appeal the commentary around why voters chose the Amarok often centred around it being more conservative and less bogan or “if I had to choose a ute, it’d be this one”.
Tradie readers love: Peugeot Isuzu Ford
vehicles + accessories
Crunching the numbers 4X4 Utes made up the largest percentage of sales by segment (18.1 per cent) in 2021. Instant asset write-off policies, superior products with greater comfort and safety, and less tangible aspects like changes in customer preference and self-image are all reasons why 4X4 utes make up four of the top 10 most popular vehicles in 2021. Buyer data shows the majority of these were dual-cabs priced above $50,000, rather than vinyl-floored workhorses. Yet at the same time, cheaper China-made options like the LDV T60 and GWM ute are storming up the charts.
RESULTS DATA FROM SURVEYED VOTERS Trade % Overall % Ford Ranger Isuzu D-Max Toyota Hilux Volkswagen Amarok Mazda BT-50 Mercedes-Benz X-Class Mitsubishi Triton Nissan Navara IDV-T60
30 25 10 10 5 4 8 6 2
23 20 13 11 8 9 7 6 3
BlokeVote is Australia's research-only panel that specialises in understanding behaviour and identifying trends in the Trades, DIY, Auto, Leisure and other related industries. Put simply, BlokeVote exists to create a link between consumers and the brands they love. www.thetradie.net
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$50 OFF
TRADIE MAGAZINE OFFER ONLY AT CITY FORD
FORD SCHEDULED CAPPED PRICE SERVICING
TRADIE MAGAZINE OFFER $50 OFF FORD SCHEDULED CAPPED PRICE SERVICING BOOK WITH CODE: 20FOTRADIEDISCZ Ensure your vehicle is ready to work! Book & complete a scheduled capped price service with City Ford Sydney or Ryde by 31.8.22 to receive $50 off! TERMS AND CONDITIONS: 1. $50 off the price of full capped price services applied at time of payment for Ford vehicles eligible for the offer. 2. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers. 3. Not valid on already discounted service offers. 4. Valid for Tradie Magazine readers. 5. Valid until the 31/8/2022 unless extended by City Ford. 6. Code 20FOTRADIEDISCZ must be mentioned to redeem the offer either in online, phone or email bookings. Don't own a Ford? We will service any make and model for all Tradies and offer a free loan car 26 JUN - JUL 2022 www.thetradie.net with every service including a wash and vacuum (not a detail).
BOOK NOW
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TWO GREAT SERVICE LOCATIONS CITY FORD SYDNEY 60 O'RIORDAN STREET, ALEXANDRIA (02) 9331 5000 CITY FORD RYDE 4 HOPE STREET, MELROSE PARK (02) 9807 2933
Fred Jeanes, Service Manager (Sydney)
Michaela Cutler, Service Manager (Ryde)
Visit our website to find out more! www.cityford.com.au
10% OFF ALL GENUINE FORD ACCESSORIES FOR TRADIE MAGAZINE READERS WITH CODE: 10FOTRADIEDISCZ
TAILOR MADE DEALS
TERMS AND CONDITIONS: 1. 10% off Ford Genuine Accessories applies to all new accessory orders. 2. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other accessory offers. 3. Not valid on already discounted accessories or ARB accessories. 4. Valid for Tradie Magazine readers until the 31/8/2022 unless extended by City Ford. 5. Code 10FOTRADIEDISCZ must be mentioned to redeem the offer either in online, phone or email bookings.
BIG THINGS ARE HAPPENING AT CITY FORD SYDNEY & RYDE
2
FORD GENUINE PARTS & ACCESSORIES
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TWO CONVENIENT SHOWROOM LOCATIONS
CITY FORD SYDNEY: 60 O'Riordan Street, ALEXANDRIA CITY FORD RYDE: 693 Victoria Rd, RYDE www.cityford.com.au
Contact us for more info: fleet@cityford.com.au
CITY FORD SAYS "YES" MORE OFTEN
With Genuine Ford Parts and Accessories, you can be assured of the highest standards of quality, fit and finish. Contact us for more info: parts@cityford.com.au
Sole-Trader and PTY LTD ABN holders can apply for our Blue, Silver or Gold Business Fleet offers. Ask us how!
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Affordable finance repayments, no nasty surprises and a service price promise. Contact us for more info: enquiries@cityford.com.au
Get to know the team that says "YES" more often!
Jon Vernon, Sales Manager
Paul Tomes, Fleet Manager
Nick Galvin, Fleet BDM
Mark Pollard, Parts Manager
By Dan Smith
Accessories for your work whip
vehicles + accessories
One of the most appealing aspects of getting a ute is the fact that you can upgrade it with aftermarket accessories. You can leave your mark and get the specific function you actually need the vehicle for. On the market, you’ll find a variety of customisation options for utes, however, some are more useful than others. The following ute accessories can be suitable for different professions, personal and recreational needs, and preferences.
Checker Plate Toolbox Using the space behind the cabin (or double cabin) to store your tools is very convenient and everyone does it. To keep everything neatly stored and safe, you may want to get a sturdy checker plate toolbox. You are free to go with any material, however, aluminium and stainless steel are impact-resistant and will withstand all kinds of weather. They are the most durable checker plate toolboxes too, especially if it is reinforced on the inside with a strong welded bar. These aftermarket ute parts are made with tough conditions in mind. Due attention is paid to every detail. Even the piano hinges are made from the same sturdy material. And every opening has a rubber seal to prevent the accumulation of dust and water inside the toolbox. Ute owners also go for a checker plate toolbox not only for the guaranteed longevity but also because of the grip that comes with the non-slippery pattern. This means that the various items you store inside will remain securely in place, reducing the risk of potential damage. When buying a checker plate tool box, remember to inspect the features, too. Go for checker plate boxes that come with T-handle locks and the option to use a padlock - this will additionally increase the safety of your belongings. There are a lot of configurations of the ute toolbox. This applies to the inside as well. You can also pick an adjustable-height internal shelf, different arrangement of drawers and storing spaces. If you have a very specific task to fulfil with your ute then doublecheck the drawers’ distribution before reaching for your wallet. Some even have gas struts that support the lid when the toolbox is opened.
Roof Racks You can add a roof rack to any vehicle. The ute is no exception. Some go for permanent roof aftermarket accessories, while others go for removable parts. It all comes down to your specific needs. If you are interested in adding a rooftop tent for camping, then make sure your setup is firmly in place. Sometimes ute owners just need a place to keep their rain tarp. Or canopies that are meant to keep the vehicle dry and dust-free. Those that use a ute for recreation usually go for racks that can carry their sports equipment such as bicycles, kayaks, skis and the like. Make sure you have the appropriate means to secure this load during transport. Failing to do so will not only damage your gear, but can also pose road safety threat to other vehicles.
Ute Ladder Rack A ute ladder rack serves to add some height to the back of your ute. It can be used as an extra hand-hold for ute tray riders. The main use of the ladder rack is to extend the useful space of the truck, the headroom from the top of the tray in particular. This comes quite handy for carrying long lengths of timber or pipe across great distances. If the ladder rack is not enough, an H-rack can be added to the nudge bar and you practically use the whole length of the ute. It can’t get more functorial than that. Some ute ladder racks can have welded ears, removable pins, or tradesman ending, as opposed to the plain racks. We are talking high degree of customization here, so if you need such item, you probably need to order it specifically adapted to your vehicle.
Ute Cover Partial or semi-permanent covers for the back of the ute are more popular than you’d think. Utes are bought for the empty tray that can store different types of loads from drums to rocks, logs, or construction machinery. For that reason, some ute owners want to close the back of the vehicle to protect the various loads from outside factors. Some go for a canopy, others go for a tub liner, or even a hard lid. Just bear in mind that the enclosure of your front cabin is mostly sealed against foreign particles by several layers. If you add a canopy on top of your ute tray don’t expect it to offer the same protection as your passenger compartment. Dust-proofing it will take additional steps and extra efforts. You can have all sorts of distribution of windows and doors and you can go as hard as you need to. It all depends on the intent behind buying the ute in the first place.
Bullbars Doing body repair on your vehicle can be expensive. And not only that, critical damage to the chassis can leave you stranded in the middle of nowehere. That is why adding bullbars, nudge bars, bumpers and the like, is recommended. When you are off the beaten path, you’re always at risk to experience a head-on collision with stray animals, or even kangaroos. That being said, protect the front of your ute and don’t forget the bumper, headlights and windscreen too. If an accident does happen, you will be happy you invested in preventing damage to the vital. You can learn more about Dan’s helpful vehicle advice at opinionpoint.com.au. www.thetradie.net
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Build em up After notching up no less than 33 consecutive years as the top-selling truck brand in Australia, Isuzu Trucks will make its first appearance at this years’ Sydney Build Exhibition and Conference.
from a ute to a truck
Hot off the back of record sales results across its range, Isuzu are keen to get out and show people exactly what it is that has made them so popular with Tradies the world over.
Crossroads When it comes to the transport needs of small businesses, particularly in the trades, the classic conundrum that often arises is, ‘truck or ute?’ Both have their place, and you should tailor this very important decision to the operating needs of your business - as best as possible. That said, with recent changes to Chain of Responsibility (CoR) compliance laws coming to the forefront, making sure that a work vehicle is fit for purpose is more important than ever.
Payload No matter what the trade or service, payload will be near the top of considerations, from both a practical and safety point of view. Light trucks, in some cases, are as compact and easily manoeuvrable as utes. Importantly, they’re also specifically engineered to handle heavier payloads than their smaller cousins. This makes trucks a sensible fit for a multitude of trades, from carpentry, concreting and plumbing through to landscaping or field service. A truck with payload to spare can provide extra peace of mind, ensuring compliance with CoR obligations, and minimising the risks of potentially overloading your vehicle and copping a fine.
Towing Capacity While some 4×4 utes are advertised as being able to tow up to 3,500 kg, loading any vehicle to its highest tolerance point for extended periods will wear down parts and components rapidly, while putting additional strain on the engine. And this is all before considering the unintended cost of increased fuel usage while performing any towing tasks. And it’s all too easy to overestimate towing capacity, given that an attractive advertised towing capacity doesn’t always equal the real on-the-job capacity.
Chain of Responsibility On to one of the less fun elements of vehicle ownership; compliance. Going forward, businesses large and small can all expect to hear much more about the Chain of Responsibility (CoR). The road transport industry is placing a greater focus on the CoR and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) are doubling down on efforts to prosecute breaches of legislation governing this. This poses a significant threat to many businesses though studies shows that small fleets are in a particularly vulnerable position.
As per Isuzu’s Future of Trucking report, 35 per cent of small fleets are completely unprepared for, or unaware of their CoR requirements.
The issue with overloading A huge area of focus in this space is mass loading and this is where we often see smaller companies drawing the unwanted attention of regulatory bodies. Often, regulators are targeting utes that are towing overloaded trailers, or are themselves dangerously laden. These fines can run between $50,000 and a whopping $500,000, so complying with regulations is fast becoming a critical business expense; in fact, 16 per cent of businesses surveyed have called compliance with CoR ‘an essential business expense.’ Ute owners already see the value in adding capacity and pulling power to their vehicles but for many, upgrading to a bigger and more practical truck is the start of the next stage for their business.
An apprentice’s best friend With many trucks able to be driven on a standard passenger car licence, they can even be operated by someone on their probationary plates. This is often a revelation for ute owners who can now send apprentices, and anyone else mind you, off on the Bunnings run. Many are seeing the value and benefits of trading up to a truck, though some might feel the loss of their ute when it comes to weekend activities. Whatever direction you choose, remember that with any vehicle, you always buy nice, or you buy twice.
The Isuzu stand at this years’ Sydney Build will be a one-stopshop to find all the info you need about the RTW range along with the celebrated product and aftersales support Isuzu is renowned for. The Sydney Build Exhibition and Conference will be held from June 1st to the 2nd of June 2022 at the International Convention and Exhibition Centre at Darling Harbour. Doors open at 9:00am.
p RE A DY- TO - W O R K R A N G E
Playtime’s over.
People talk about being in the “building game” but it’s no game, it’s serious business. And you need a serious truck to handle bigger payloads. Isuzu Ready-to-Work trucks can carry around a tonne more than a typical ute, most only requiring a standard car licence. So if you’re ready to get serious, head to isuzu.com.au or visit your nearest Isuzu Truck Dealer now.
Warranty is subject to the conditions outlined in the IAL New Vehicle Warranty. For further information please visit isuzu.com.au or contact your local dealer. Features shown are available across Isuzu 4x2 Ready-to-Work models only. FSA/ISZS787
See it, love it!
Go in the draw to win! Send a selfie with this issue of the Tradie Magazine to competitions@ttmediagroup.com.au
1x Family Pass to see Jurassic World Domination Experience the epic conclusion to the Jurassic era as two generations unite for the first time. Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard are joined by Oscar®winner Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum and Sam Neill in Jurassic World Dominion, a bold, timely and breathtaking new adventure that spans the globe. From Jurassic World architect and director Colin Trevorrow, Dominion takes place four years after Isla Nublar has been destroyed. Dinosaurs now live—and hunt—alongside humans all over the world. This fragile balance will reshape the future and determine, once and for all, whether human beings are to remain the apex predators on a planet they now share with history’s most fearsome creatures.
Jurassic World Dominion is in Cinemas June 9.
1x pair of Tradie Underwear Tradie was created from the desire to put some personality, humour and function into the underwear market. An Australian familyowned business, the Tradie Team has a unique company culture, brought together by likeminded individuals who love to push the boundaries when creating product for an iconic Aussie brand. Always focusing on comfort, durability, practicality and of course; good looks! 32
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Two construction workers were working on a dark street.
Sure enough, the supervisor tells him to go home.
The first worker turns to the second and says, “I don’t want to work anymore, I’ll act crazy so the supervisor sends me home early.”
The second worker, seeing the success his friend had, decided to start packing up his things.
He then proceeds to tie himself by the feet and swings around shouting, “I’m a lightbulb, I’m a lightbulb!”
The supervisor asks, “What are you doing? The work isn’t finished yet!” To which the second worker responds, “How am I supposed to see without a lightbulb?”
DeWalt’s New Electric Pressure Washer Saves Water and Time From cleaning pathways, house or building exteriors to heavy machinery, pressure washers can help tackle a number of onsite jobs. Different pressure washers have a variety of functions and accessories to suit tradespeople, builders and those on construction sites. DeWalt has recently launched a new electric pressure washer, DeWalt DXPW160WE, that delivers superior cleaning performance with a robust and durable design. “The new design is user friendly, reduces water usage, and allows for easy transportation with its rugged wheels and a telescopic handle. It makes tasks such as washing concrete slabs, decking or driveways quick, easy and hassle free,” says Matthew Tojic, DeWalt Pressure Washers Category Manager, Mayo Hardware. Due to their versatility, pressure washers have become increasingly popular option for tradesmen helping to save them time and effort on a job. “The new electric pressure washers are a user friendly and cost-effective solution to the traditional petrol pressure washers,” adds Tojic. When choosing the right washer for the job it’s important to make sure you choose a model that’s fit for purpose and consider its PSI, the flow rate, and the power availability onsite. The DeWalt DXPW160WE comes with a pressure select dial, so the easy adjustment of pressure based on the desired cleaning application can be made. Also included is an 8-metre hose and three cleaning nozzles including a turbo nozzle, variable pressure
nozzle and a water saving nozzle. It also has a foam sprayer for easy application of cleaning agents. The built-in hose storage reel and nozzle storage makes packing up easy, and with a 2,320 Rated PSI cleaning power to help to tackle the toughest jobs with a 2500-watt high performance motor. The DeWalt DXPW160WE 2320PSI, 8.5L Electric Pressure Washer is available from Bunnings Warehouse and is RRP $399.00. For further information visit www.bunnings.com.au.
COMFORT ALL DAY, EVERYDAY DEWALT PROComfort Safety Footwear features a unique shock absorbing inner sole and high rebound mid-sole to deliver the ultimate comfort when you are on your feet all day, everyday.
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MATES don’t just talk about it. Mental health and suicide prevention for workers in the construction, mining, energy and manufacturing industries.
MATES creates a network of workers on sites who are equipped with the tools to help a mate who’s doing it tough. It starts with General Awareness Training to the whole site by MATES Field Officers, with many workers then deciding to participate in further training to become Connector and ASIST volunteers. To back up our evidence-based training, MATES provides a 24/7 Helpline that is free of charge to workers and their families. The Helpline connects those needing support with MATES Case Managers who understand the demands of our industry.
MATES 24/7 Helpline 1300 642 111
For more information go to mates.org.au
@matesinconstruction
MATES
Because suicide is preventable and EVERY life matters.
SYDNEY
BUILD EXPO
supporting MATES create a network of workers on sites across the country who are equipped with the tools they need to help a mate who’s doing it tough. Established in 2008, MATES in Construction is an industrybacked, research-based, suicide prevention charity working to reduce the high rates of suicide across construction, mining, energy and more recently, manufacturing. Here are some statistics that reveal what workers in our key industries are exposed to… •
Six times more likely to die by suicide than a workplace accident
•
We lose a worker every second day to suicide which is around 200 people a year
•
Suicide rates are 80 per cent higher than the general working population
To date, the MATES program has rolled out General Awareness Training (GAT) to 250,000 workers across the Australia and of those, 23,000 inspired workers have raised their hand to become volunteer Connectors. A Connector is trained by MATES Field Officers to recognise the signs a workmate might be struggling with life and keep them safe while connecting them to help.
The third part of the MATES program is ASIST training; a more intensive, suicide prevention first-aid course. Over 3,000 workers have completed this course, equipping them with skills that might save a life – at work, at home and within their communities. But we’re not done yet. While suicide rates in our industries have been gradually declining since we launched the MATES program, we won’t stop until we we’ve reached and trained as many of our workers as we can – because, with the right tools, we know suicide is preventable. MATES has those tools. Contact MATES to find out how we can lighten the load on your site. Reach out to us via our website mates.org.au/trainingsupport Or if you are struggling and need direct support, call our free 24/7 Helpline on 1300 642 111.
SafeStyle... a pair of certified safety glasses to take you ‘from the worksite to the weekend!’ Before SafeStyle founder Tim Lewis was on the tools as a plumber but in May 2017 is when everything changed. He was driving home from a job and saw himself in the rear vision mirror wearing his “speed dealers,” and he thought, WOW! I need to find a decent pair of safety glasses. When he realised there was no such thing, he had the crazy idea of inventing the world’s first casual style safety glasses that were certified to Australian Standards.
Who decided that safety eyewear can’t look good? For too long when it comes to eye protection, safety and style haven’t been in the same sentence. Why is it, when Tradies think safety eyewear, they think of nearly every excuse not to wear them? Today, a worrying number of workers are
left compromising their own safety by avoiding the very eyewear supposedly meant to protect them. Introducing SafeStyle, the first safety glasses that don’t look or feel like “safety glasses”. All the protection, with none of the discomfort. The safety glasses you’ll never want to take off. All SafeStyle Eyewear are tested and approved to AS/NZS 1337.1:2010 and Product Certified with SAI GLOBAL Lic: SMK40913 for Australia & New Zealand. Our product is made with recyclable, 100% polycarbonate with no metal parts. With a range of styles to suit any face and boasting impressive lens options including prescription, we have a pair of safety glasses for everyone. To become a stockist, please register your interest by emailing sales@ safestyle.com.au. We also have cobranding opportunities available to take
SYDNEY
BUILD EXPO
Build a life with skilled hands. Study Building Trades. At TAFE NSW our goal is to help change lives. Whether you want to help someone build their dream home, create a stunning piece of furniture or master electrotechnology, TAFE NSW has the building trades course you need. Taught by industry-expert teachers, our nationally recognised courses will give you the practical, hands-on skills to construct a successful career. Ready to change your life?
+ Certificate III in Electrotechnology
Enrol now for Semester 2, 2022 with TAFE NSW, a leading provider of lifelong learning.
+ Certificate III in Plumbing CPC32420
UEE30820
+ Certificate III in Carpentry CPC30220
tafensw.edu.au 131 601
RTO 90003 | CRICOS 00591E | HEP PRV12049
SYDNEY
BUILD EXPO
for the environment
How our operations impact on the environment has become the number one issue for management, according to a recent KPMG study of our largest miners.
As mining operations, construction sites and other large operators strive to become carbon neutral, the demand for solar-powered, energy-efficient LED lighting technology has increased significantly.
Street Light for reliable solar street lighting for civil works, construction, mining and off-grid applications. These can be installed in-ground or on a concrete block, with a pole-mounted secure control box and high powered lighting powered by long-lasting lithium batteries.
As well as significantly reducing emissions by changing to solar lighting, there are the additional benefits of eliminating electricity, trenching and cabling costs which can be significant on a remote site. The benefits of low voltage solar systems also makes them safer.
This means your site can operate 24/7, with low maintenance, easy-to-install lighting. Lights will switch on and off automatically and there is no time-consuming diesel refuelling required, no noise and absolutely no fumes or smoke. Efficient lithium battery storage means you will have a few days of lighting even if there are a few days of bad weather or low sunlight.
Since Earthtrack has a reputation for solar solutions that are reliable, are easy to set-up on site and require little ongoing maintenance, it’s become a supplier of choice in this market.
Earthtrack Group has established itself as one of Australia’s leading suppliers of specialist LED lighting and solar solutions for mine site, industrial, government and commercial applications.
In addition to their signature MEGA, MAXI and MINI towers for solar carpark, path/street and flood lighting, they have launched their new ELION Solar
Earthtrack’s signature solar towers are manufactured in Australia, carry the licensed Aussie Made logo and have ISO 9001 quality assurance.
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SYDNEY
Are you a small-medium sized business that orders concrete regularly?
BUILD EXPO
Found Concrete have made it their mission to take the hassle out of ordering concrete by developing an app that lets you order concrete and delivery with the push of a button. Placing an order takes two minutes after downloading the Found app. Pick your concrete, then pick your delivery date and time. The partnership Found has with concrete suppliers means the suppliers are updating their availability directly onto the app. When a customer books the concrete delivery, it is instantly confirmed with the supplier. “The busiest time for our suppliers is in the 7 – 10am period when the industry typically has their concrete delivered,” said Found Concrete CEO Adam McArthur. “This leads to our supplier partners having capacity in later periods of the day. As a result, we have worked with them to offer discount pricing after 12pm for those customers who can organise their concrete pours in the afternoon.” “We know booking pours in the afternoon may not work for all of our customers, however we are always looking for ways to provide options that save time and money. We are excited to release this innovation to the concrete market.” Fogolin and Sons Concreting has been a Found Concrete customer since April 2020 and has completed over 70 orders with Found. “Found has made ordering concrete so efficient. I can order out of hours and make adjustments to the order without making phone calls,” said Phillip Fogolin. “The orders are always on time and the customer service is fantastic.” In order to provide its customers with a range of mixes and the best possible delivery times, Found has partnered with seven suppliers. These suppliers are Alsafe, Advanced Readymix, Boral, Concrite, Gunlake, Hy-tec, Midway and Nielsens. Found is available in the following regions: Greater Sydney, the Southern Highlands, Newcastle, Hunter, Central Coast, Greater Melbourne and Geelong and South East Queensland. www.thetradie.net
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Being a Tradie isn’t a job, it’s a lifestyle. That’s why we’ve curated a very special edition of Tradie Lifestyle for you in this issue, covering it all from winter holidays in neighbouring New Zealand, the latest and greatest on the V8 Supercars, the low-down poll for the ale-lovers, the low-down on electric gizmos and gadgets, and even a chat with Aussie rock icon, Jimmy Barnes. Rip in, Tradies!
Photo Credit: www.supercars.com
New Zealand is renowned for its snowy landscapes, stellar ski fields and après ski activities, but how do you decide what to do? Here’s a guide to making the most of the winter season when visiting New Zealand.
FOR SKIING Both North Island and South Island offer incredible ski fields. The heart of the North Island's ski region, Ruapehu is a winter lover's paradise. The location of Whakapapa, New Zealand's largest ski area and the wild, mighty, playful Turoa - both these ski fields offer runs aplenty and terrain for beginners or the adrenaline seekers. Turoa claims the country's longest vertical drop at a whopping 722m, as well as the highest chairlift, offering panoramic views of the North Island. Whakapapa features the Sky Waka, the longest gondola in the country, delivering you to a multitude of slopes across the 550 hectare field, and offering some of the best beginner terrain in the country at the aptly named Happy Valley. The alpine environment of the South Island offers various options for skiers of all levels. You can't miss Canterbury's Mt Hutt, which has the longest season in New Zealand. One of the largest and highest, plus a new chairlift that carries 8 people, the Nor'West Express means less time waiting and more time on the slopes. Porters, Broken River, Hanmer Springs and more will keep you satisfied with brand new runs. Queenstown and Wanaka round out the South Island offerings, regions known for their exceptional slopes. The five commercial fields in the far South Island are some of the best places to ski in the country; the Remarkables, Coronet Peak, Cardrona and Treble Cone. State of the art chairlifts, cruising groomed runs, playful super pipes and spectacular views make for a fun day of play no matter where you choose.
OTHER WINTER ACTIVITIES For hiking… Ditch the skis and grab your hiking boots for the rewarding feeling of scaling a mountain to reach great heights and views. Head far South for the snowy tracks of Ben Lomond or Queenstown Hill and mountainous panoramas. Rakaia Gorge walkway is a good option for a down day near the Canterbury fields, alongside the turquoise waters of the Rakaia River. If you’re after a hike with less snow, head north to Cape Brett for milder temperatures. The mid north options like Tongariro Crossing and Tama Lakes are for the experienced hikers. Joining a guided alpine hike is a good option given things can get icy in winter. Wherever you head, make sure you’re prepared with snacks, water, and plenty of layers for the dropping temperatures.
TRAVEL the remarkables
franz josef heli hike
Taking time off in New Zealand For adventure… If you’ve got a need for speed, Queenstown Snowmobiles take you to the mountains for a thrilling cruise through high altitude snow. New Zealand’s only heli-snowmobiling is action packed and adrenaline pumping or can be slowed down to enjoy the epic views, this is an adventure tailored to suit your winter holiday and has been awarded Qualmark Gold for outstanding service.
For a journey… One of the best train journeys in the world, the TranzAlpine is the ultimate way to travel from Christchurch on the east coast to Greymouth on the west, and it’s an adventure in itself. Gliding through open valleys and vast farmland of the Canterbury Plains before entering the towering mountain range of the Southern Alps in Arthur’s
tranzalpine
Pass National Park. Snow-capped and glistening, the mountains are reflected in chilly lakes surrounded by frosted tussocks. As the snow dissipates it’s replaced by the wild beech forest of the West Coast, where the view outside is lit vibrant green by the canopies of dense, towering flora as you arrive at your coastal destination.
For leisure… With a fresh chill in the air making it feel like a winter wonderland, the best place to witness the scenery is from inside the comfort of a mineral filled hot tub. There are a range to choose from around the country in secluded, remote locations, including some spectacular hot pools in Rotorua, that attract incredible vistas by day and dazzling stars by night. The perfect alternative from a day on the slopes, or the ultimate end to a day on the mountain. www.thetradie.net
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TRAVEL
stay, eat, and drink QUEENSTOWN
STAY: Cross Hill Lodge & Domes are premium, unique accommodation in Lake Hawea. Offering high country hospitality at its best, guests at Cross Hill Lodge & Domes become part of the family. Guests can use their own private geo dome as a base from which to explore the region. EAT/DRINK: Little Aosta is perfect for a meal at the end of the day.
The cuisine of both is inspired by the cooking techniques of Northern Italy paired with ingredients of the South of New Zealand. The menu is designed to bring the magic of an authentic multi-generational Arrowtown while still capturing the essence of northern Italian food, pared back and designed for sharing.
LAKE TAUPO
STAY: Wairakei Resort Taupo is situated in a spectacular geothermal valley, just minutes from Taupo's city centre. Experience the beauty of this region as well as thermally heated pools, six spa pools, a golf course, fitness centre and exceptional cuisine. EAT/DRINK: The Bay Taupo offers the community the perfect
destination to socialise, dine and unwind. We invite you to be our guest, to enjoy the new fresh and tasty food and drinks menu.
ROTORUA
STAY: Solitaire Lodge, the second oldest lodge in New Zealand, is a luxury, peaceful retreat perched on a narrow peninsula overlooking beautiful Lake Tarawera. Solitaire overlooks from a hillside atop a peninsula, surrounded by the lake’s calm waters, with a view of the Tarawera volcano in the distance. EAT/DRINK: Pig & Whistle Historic Pub is a local landmark with great
history and is centrally located in a classic piece of bold 1940’s architecture. It hosts live bands every weekend and big screen TVs are tuned in to your favourite sports.
OTAGO
STAY: Tussock Lodge is a warm and welcoming accommodation for weary travellers of the Otago Central Rail Trail or those exploring the area. We utilise the latest in eco-friendly appliances and fixtures to help reduce the impact on this remote environment. EAT/DRINK: The Stoaker Room located in Central Otago includes
a “Barrel Cuisine” which is a taste sensation of delicious regional foods that are either steam baked, steam grilled or smoked in the Stoaker Barrels on the day and in front of you, so you can join in the experience.
KAIKOURA
STAY: Nikau Lodge is a boutique accommodation conveniently located in the heart of Kaikoura with magnificent hilltop views of sea and mountains. Nikau Lodge offers guests stunning scenery and kiwi hospitality to match. EAT/DRINK: Mount Fyfee Gin Distillery is situated just 10km north of
the Kaikoura township nestled within a working sheep and beef farm. Meet Justine the distiller who can show you the process of gin making, introduce you to ‘Bruce’ the 40 litre copper Alembic Still that works the magic and her bespoke production line.
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A ACROSS THE DITCH Kate Slater is a Kiwi travel writer based out of Sydney. She loves all things travel, food and wine. You can follow Kate’s travel stories at KateAbroad.com or on Instagram @kateabroadblog, and find her hot tips about travelling New Zealand here… What is the best thing about winter in New Zealand? Winter is when a lot of local festivals are held in New Zealand, it gives everyone a chance to come together and celebrate. There are events like Matariki, Wellington On A Plate, Mardi Gras, Winter pride, and lots of regional winter and light festivals. If hitting the slopes, where’s the best spot? Ruapehu - there's the Whakapapa side for more serious skiers and snowboarders and the Turoa side which is slightly more relaxed. The nearby towns of National Park and Ohakune really go off in ski season and they're within driving distance of Auckland and Hamilton. What about food – tell us some of your favourite dining spots… For fine dining, Botswana Butchery In Queenstown and Hiakai and Wellington are the best of the best. I also like the country cafes and restaurants in the Waikato like Woodlands, Punnet, Willowbrook, Narrows Landing and so on. Many of them are set in big old manor houses. There are lots of wineries that do great food on site, not just platters but world-class restaurants. Mud Brick on Waiheke Island is great and makes you feel like you could be in Tuscany, Luna Estate in Martinborough and Amisfield in the Gibbston Valley are other favourites Advice for new travellers to NZ? Learn some Maori. New Zealanders use words like kai (food) and haere mai (welcome) more and more, especially younger people, so it's helpful to recognise the words. Plus, you'll want to know how to pronounce the many Maori place names. www.thetradie.net
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Overwater Cook Islands.
LONELY PLANET’S
TOP
Place to Visit in
2022!
1800 272 768
Island Time! Cook Islands
Escape to the Cook Islands - Now is the time to relax in true paradise. From the sandy shores of Rarotonga to the clear water of Aitutaki, now’s the time to refresh yourself in the Cook Islands. Rarotonga is the Cook Island’s capital of its 15 islands. Famous for it's dramatic volcanic mountain peaks and blue lagoon waters surrounding the Island. It’s only a wonder why anyone would choose another destination. If you're looking for rest and relaxation, family fun, activity or adventure ... you'll find it all here!
Tr av e l Ti p s Currencies: New Zealand dollar / Cook Islands dollar Time Zone: Cook Islands is 20 hours behind Australia according to Australian Eastern Standard Time There is no daylight savings in Cook Islands.
Be s t t im e to v i s i t R a rot on ga There’s no such thing as a right or wrong time to visit Rarotonga. The average daily high temperature only varies about three degrees - the difference between 28°C in January and 25°C in July. While it does rain a little more between November to April, typical Rarotonga weather delivers an average of eight sunshine hours a day.
H ow t o ge t th e r e Air New Zealand and Jetstar operate flights to Rarotonga from different ports throughout the country multiple days a week. For full details of any visa or vaccination requirements, visit smarttraveller.gov.au. Call The Raratongan from Australia tollfree on 1800 272 768.
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th e r ar o t o n gan b eac h r e s ort & l ag o o n ar i u m Make Wonderful Family Holiday Memories Voted Best Pacific Island Resort!
The Cook Islands’ most family-friendly beach resort, The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium, is regularly voted Best Pacific Island resort for families in annual Readers' Choice Awards such as those run by Holidays with Kids and Out & About with Kids. The Rarotongan is renowned for its relaxed island beach resort vibe making it a favourite with families of all ages and sizes. Right now the resort is offering Kids Eat Free in addition to their popular Kids Stay & Play Free (to age 11) and Teens Stay Free (ages 12-16). The Moko Kids Club is renowned as one of the best in the South Pacific and there’s also a Games Room and Daily Activities Programme along with a wide range of free activities including stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, tennis and gym. But the stand-out is the amazing snorkelling in your own underwater wonderland, Aroa Lagoonarium Marine Sanctuary, getting up close and personal with the friendly, iridescent tropical fishes.
Snorkel the Lagoonarium The ”Lagoonarium” in the resort name refers to the amazing Aroa Lagoonarium Marine Sanctuary, located directly off The Rarotongan’s secluded white sandy beach. Most areas around Rarotonga are very tidal, making them too shallow to swim in at low tide. However Aroa Lagoonarium is special in that it is typically neither too shallow nor too deep, making it possible for guests to snorkel, paddleboard or kayak there at most any tide.
TRAVEL Children will delight in making friends with the beautiful rainbowcoloured tropical fishes such as sunset wrasses, butterfly fish, angelfish, parrotfish and squirrel fish while in the clear warm lagoon. If your child is not a confident swimmer, they can don a snorkel and simply stand in the water to still have an awesome experience connecting with wild marine life. Or they can join the Resort’s friendly Activities Team for the daily fish feeding near the water’s edge. Just incredible. Either way they will be making special lifelong memories. Aroa Lagoonarium is considered Rarotonga’s best snorkelling area because of the blend of features which make it unique. The marine sanctuary, known as a Rau’i in Cook Islands Maori, is located right alongside the resort’s Aroa Beach. This is a stretch of beautiful white sand, in contrast to many of the beaches around the island which have rough coral at the water’s edge. As well as offering a gradual gradient from shallower to deeper which makes it attractive to a wide range of guests, the encircling reef shelters Aroa Lagoonarium from the open ocean, making it an ideal protected environment for children. Large oceanic species such as sharks are not found in the lagoon. The Lane Family are keen water babies and this was their experience: “For our last 3 nights in Rarotonga we stayed at The Rarotongan and it was the bees knee's. If you’re travelling to Raro stay here…we found this area to have the best swimming on the island of Rarotonga.”
Good Things Come Out At Night The Rarotongan also runs regular Night Snorkelling Tours which welcome children aged 8 and over who can swim alongside a parent. This is a wonderful opportunity to witness lagoon life after nightfall, including parrot fishes wrapped in their sleeping ‘cocoon’, octopus and other species active by night. And whilst you’re out and about at night, take a look up, and marvel. Because of limited light pollution, Rarotonga offers one of the best dark sky experiences anywhere.
The Southern Hemisphere claims the three brightest stars of the night sky: Sirius the Dog Star, one of the closest stars to Solar System, Canopus and Alpha Centauri. Constellations like Sagittarius and Scorpius are best seen in the Southern Hemisphere. Views of the Milky Way tend to be brighter and have more clear contrast between stars and dust clouds when viewed from southern dark sky locations such as Rarotonga. So lie back on one of the loungers or make a ‘sand angel’ on the beach, watch the sun go down (here at The Rarotongan you’re on the sunset side of the island), relax and make wonderful new family memories together.
New Multi-million Dollar Upgrade The Rarotongan has recently undergone a new multi-million dollar upgrade including new bathrooms, Reception, 24/7 Gift Shop, Games Room and much more. As part of this major work the resort has just launched new 3- and 4-bedroom Beachside and Beachfront Interconnecting Family Suites, enabling families to enjoy separate bedrooms, separate bathrooms, separate TVs, separate mini-bar fridges and separate microwaves. This is in addition to the resort’s very popular two spacious 3-Bedroom Private Pool Villas each with ensuite bathrooms, kitchen, sitting, dining, games area, and laundry. Other categories include Beachside Rooms, Beachfront Rooms, Deluxe Beachside Suites, Deluxe Beachfront Suites, a Honeymoon Pool Bungalow and selfcatering 2-Bedroom Beachside Suites and Grand Beachfront Suites. The wide range of accommodation options along with the prime beach and lagoon location, free kids club, restaurant & bar, large swimming pool and extensive free activities make this the ideal great-value family-friendly resort for your next South Seas family getaway, for families of any size. And if there’s anyone in the family who prefers staying adults-only (perhaps the grandparents?), The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium even has a beautiful boutique sister resort right next door for guests aged 16 and over, Sanctuary Rarotonga-on the beach. The Cook Islands is now open to all children aged 4 and under (unvaccinated) as well as travellers from Australia aged 5 and over who are vaccinated against covid. Visit www.TheRarotongan.com www.thetradie.net
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Boxers, briefs, polka dots, Kylie’s iconic hotpants and Borat’s fluro green mankini – all were on display when more than 500 revellers dropped to their dacks to participate in the first ever Mundi Undie Run as part of the inaugural Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash music festival in Outback New South Wales last April.
A wild and wacky sight to behold, 2,106 bootscooting bush dancers kicked up the dust as they attempted to break the World Record for the Largest Nutbush City Limits Dance. The attempt fell slightly short of the World Record of 2,878 dancers, which was set last year at the Birdsville Big Red Bash – the Mundi Mundi Bash’s sister festival in remote Southwest Queensland.
With the next event scheduled to be held again in August, we caught up with the team to see what all the fuss was about…
A World Record attempt with a good cause to boot, participation via registration in the event still managed to raise close to $42,000 for the festival’s charity partner, the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Immediately after the Nutbush, the crowd converged again in outlandish cult costumes to set a new World Record for The Largest Gathering of Mad Max Characters in One Location. 556 festivalgoers dressed in Mad Max theme, setting a new official World Record in a location that has become synonymous with the Mad Max movie franchise. The Mundi Mundi Bash is being staged on the iconic Mundi Mundi Plains, a location that was chosen by movie director George Miller for spectacular Mad Max II scenes back in 1981. Now, 40 years on, The Mundi Mundi Plains will once again star in the upcoming Furiosa Mad Max instalment featuring Chris Hemsworth. Close to 10,000 festivalgoers of all ages attended the inaugural Mundi Mundi Bash last April, with crowds expected to flock to the area again this August. The festival has hosted a slew of Aussie music royalty including Kate Ceberano, Ross Wilson, Russell Morris, Glenn Shorrock, Wendy Matthews, Steve Balbi, The Radiators, Mark Gable, Dragon the Chantoozies and more. The family and dog-friendly event features a host of activities suitable to everyone, but perhaps the most intriguing is the Muni Undi Run, where around 700 patrons stripped to their underwear to participate in the 1km run to raise funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. All proceeds from race registrations were donated to the vital outback organisation, totalling more than $14,000. Through the Nutbush World Record attempt and the Mundi Undi Run, April’s Mundi Mundi Bash has raised more than $55,000 for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Event owner and organiser, Greg Donovan, MD of the Outback Music Festival Group said, “We are so proud and thrilled by the turnout of amazing Aussie music legends and fantastic crowds who have travelled far and wide to make this first ever Mundi Mundi Bash a spectacular success.” “It has been a long time coming and, after a COVIDrelated postponement, we’ve finally gotten the festival we’ve always dreamed of up-and-running. It’s been a labour of love in many ways, and all the work has certainly been worth it.” August’s Mundi Mundi Bash will include acts by Oz-rock legends Jimmy Barnes and Missy Higgins, along with Kasey Chambers, Jon Stevens, Daryl Braithwaite, plus more. Grab your tickets at www.mundimundibash.com.au.
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TECHNOLOGY
From drones to motorbikes, cars and more, there are endless epic electronics and gadgets available for almost any given task. So, no matter what you’re into, check out these bits and pieces that have, or will, change the way we look at our daily lifestyle covering it all form work to play…
Heavy Transport Dutch company Mammoet has achieved a major milestone in the development of sustainable heavy lifting and transport, undertaking the replacement of a production vessel at a chemical plant in the Netherlands using purely electric power. When a key production vessel needed to be replaced, the customer was keen to look at how this could be done with the lowest possible environmental impact. Whilst electric technology is nothing new for domestic vehicles, the sheer force SPMTs are required to deliver in moving heavy items has presented significant barriers to finding an equivalent solution. But thanks to extensive research and testing this has now become a reality.
Electric skateboards Electric skateboarding is fun, easy to learn and fast growing in popularity around the world. Great for all ages, plus it only takes 15 minutes to pick up the basics. Setting the bar high with their industry-leading concepts, brands like Evolve Skateboards fuse performance inspired design with the latest tech to give you the ultimate ride. Do the quiz to find your ultimate skateboard type at evolveskateboards. com.au.
E-transit Ford Australia has confirmed its third electrified vehicle as the all-electric E-Transit Custom. Due in Australia in 2024, E-Transit Custom will be part of the most extensive Transit range ever offered to local customers. The E-Transit Custom is the third electrified vehicle as part of its plan to introduce at least five electrified vehicles by the end of 2024.
E-bikes Take one look at the roads and you’ll understand why E-Bike sales are forecast to grow from 3.7million to 17million per year by 2030. E-Bike’s are for everybody, plus they’re accessible and easy to insert into any lifestyle. The team at Specialised E-Bikes have a range of awesome vehicles to hit the road with, take a look at specialized.com.
Electric mowers With powerful torque, outstanding run times and zero emissions, electricpowered outdoor maintenance and lawn mowing equipment is the next level in landscaping. Using next generation technologies, you no longer have to choose between the environment, safety and productivity. You get the best of all worlds in a high-performance, highefficiency solution that’s great for the community, the bottom line, and the planet. Check out EcoTeq for the latest and greatest in electric mowers and more at ecoteq. com.au.
The electric vehicle takeover The latest State of Electric Vehicles report notes demand for EV’s in Australia is now drastically outstripping supply due to Australia still being perceived by global carmakers as an unattractive market. While consumer demand for EV’s is surging, many Australians who want to purchase an electric car are being told they may have to wait many months, or even years. This comes off the back of the Electric Vehicle Council releasing exclusive 2021 sales figures that show Australia at the precipice of an EV economic boom. Sales of plug-in electric vehicles tripled in the past year from 6,900 in 2020 to 20,665 in 2021. EV’s now account for 2 per cent market share of new cars, up from 0.78 per cent in 2020. EVC chief executive Behyad Jafari said the boost in sales was being driven by positive policy change at a state level and that momentum could now be built upon. “The penny has now well and truly dropped on how good electric vehicles are. Most people in the car market will now be considering an electric option. The role of government is to help them make the jump,” Mr Jafari said. “Governments that take the path of encouragement will capture myriad societal benefits – cleaner air, reduced respiratory illness, smaller carbon footprint, quieter roads. Those that lag will make themselves a dumping ground for old tech, dirty vehicles.”
Top 10
BEV & PHEV models 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Tesla Model 3 MG ZS Mitsubishi Outlander MG HS Porsche Taycan Hyundai Kona Volvo XC40 Hyundai Ioniq Nissan Leaf Mercedes-Benz EQA
EV global sales projections: 2022 By David Waterworth Will we see 8 million plug-in vehicles sold globally this year? The math seems to indicate that it might even be more! Vehicles using Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) sales peaked in 2017 at 100 million. The numbers, globally, have been on a downward slide ever since. While ICE sales diminish, sales of cars with a plug (Battery Electric Vehicles and Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicles) continue to grow, taking a larger slice out of the diminishing passenger car market.
By David Waterworth, cleantechnica.com. David is a retired teacher with a passion for electric vehicles and renewable energy. Dave drives a Tesla.
From 2010 to 2018 EV sales grew at 60 per cent per year. But what actually happened? The world reached 1 million plug-in vehicle sales in the year 2017. 2019 was an anomaly caused by the removal of subsidies by the Chinese government for EV’s that were not of appropriate standard. This has led to a revitalised Chinese EV industry which is now exporting to the world – Tesla and Polestar to Australia, soon to be followed by BYD and Great Wall ORA. Year
2017
Plugins (BEV 1,227,117 + PHEV) sold
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2,018,247
1,940,147
3,240,000
6,500,000
8 to 10 million
What happens next? Looking at figures published Inside EV’s and Cleantechnica, we seem to be headed for a bumper year for EV sales with numbers that may exceed the projections above. 2022 will be a standout year for EV’s, with Tesla alone opening two new factories (one in Berlin and one in Texas) each with a capacity to produce more than half a million cars per year. Add to this the ramp up of EV production by European car makers and the Chinese and we are looking at a formidable surge. In the USA (apart from Tesla), Ford deserves a mention for the Mustang Mach E and the F150 lightning.
Electric E
www.electricdreams
EXHIB
2-3 JUL
Evolution
s-exhibition.com.au
BITION
LY 2022
Enquires contact: Brian@ttmediagroup.com.au or Melissa@ttmediagroup.com.au | 0412 976 549
TECHNOLOGY
The future is electric Electric-powered vehicles, recreational products and home living systems are becoming a staple in households around the world, with the International Energy Agency reporting that Electric Vehicle (EV) sales doubled in 2021 alone, equating to 9 per cent of the global market, or 6.6 million vehicles overall. Proven to be more energy efficient thus delivering better performance, convenience, and reduced expenses, EV’s and other electric products are trailblazing commercial markets spanning motoring, entertainment, sport, leisure and much more. It is with this knowledge and a keen eye for curating international trade exhibitions that Trans-Tasman Media Managing Director and Electric Dreams Owner, Patrick McElligott, decided to launch Australia’s first ever tradeshow dedicated to the innovative world of electric technology, and it’s shaping up to be the company’s biggest event yet. “I am thrilled to announce our inaugural Electric Dreams Exhibition will be held this July and is set to be an absolute spectacle of some of the most groundbreaking products and systems on the electric-powered market,” Patrick said. “Nothing is off limits at Electric Dreams, from the most prestigious brands in the world, such as Tesla, to some of the quirkier products like electric hydrofoil surfboards by Fliteboard that appear to hover above the water while moving at incredible speeds.” An event which boasts the slogan, ‘Show me the Future’, Electric Dreams is swiftly becoming the chosen tradeshow among exhibitors looking to showcase their non-conventional creations to a hungry market of prospective customers who are eager to explore better ways to live due to rising costs of living and a desire for greener lifestyles. Trans-Tasman Media National Sales Director, Brian Hartley, said the team is eager and ready to launch Electric Dreams to Australia, starting in Brisbane with a second show planned for Perth in November, 2022. “With no other exhibition dedicated to electric-powered consumer products, we knew we were onto something that the commercial market desperately needed, especially considering the current environmental and economic circumstances,” Brian said.
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“The response we’ve received from exhibitors and future guests is outstanding and we can’t to showcase a new age in lifestyle products that are set to take the world by storm.” Electric Dreams is expecting close to 70 exhibitors with a forecast guest attendance of 60,000 creating an invaluable opportunity for brands looking to demonstrate their products and deliver their message to a qualified and captive audience of prospective customers. Guests can expect a jam-packed couple of days of touching, feeling and learning about products they ordinarily mightn’t have access too, including driving vehicles and witnessing real-time demonstrations on the ground. EV manufacturers on show include Tesla, Lexus, Volvo, Polestar, Benzina, Yutong plus more, displaying everything from passenger cars to massive commercial coaches. There will also be a wide range of e-bikes, e-scooters, e-skateboards, drones, renewable energy and smart home living systems, charges, gadgets and more. Perhaps the most unique product on display will be by Aptera, showing off their Jetsons-like solar electric vehicle which reaches 120km speeds in an impressive 1.3 seconds. The excitement will continue in the Electric Dreams Live Action Arena, where there will be stunt bike performances, drone races, e-go kart demonstrations and more, with food and drinks, goodie bags, competitions and entertainment also on the agenda. There’s something for everyone at Electric Dreams, on at the Brisbane Showgrounds on 2 to 3 July, and at Perth Showgrounds on 12 and 13 November. Whether you have electric products to exhibit or are interested in participating in other ways, there is still time to secure an event space or come on board as a sponsoring partner. To learn more, visit elecrtricdreams-exhibition.com.au or contact brian@ttmediagroup.com.au.
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back! JIMMY BARNES
with his 12-piece band Classic Australian albums don’t come any bigger or better than Jimmy Barnes’ Soul Deep. The trailblazing collection of 60s R&B was certified 10 times platinum in Australia, won the 1992 ARIA Awards for Best Male Artist and Highest Selling Album and remains the highest-selling album ever for Jimmy Barnes. This iconic collection has now been re-imagined and extended for its anniversary suitably titled Soul Deep 30. Alongside the 12 original Soul Deep recordings which have been remastered by Bob Ludwig and with additional production from Don Gehman, Soul Deep 30 includes three brand-new recordings: ‘Soothe Me’ (a blistering version of the 1967 Sam & Dave classic, featuring the legendary Sam Moore himself), ‘Do You Love Me’ (with the soulful vocals of The Teskey Brothers’ Josh Teskey), ‘Reflections’ (with the unmistakable vocals and guitar stylings of Ian Moss), plus a brand-new rock version of ‘I Gotcha’. Even more exciting is that Jimmy Barnes with his 12-piece band will tour in support of the forthcoming album, in a mix of arenas and theatres across Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane this June and July. The Soul Deep 30 Tour will include special guests, one of Australia’s finest, The Teskey Brothers* (exc. Adelaide), David Campbell (Adelaide only) plus Mahalia Barnes + The Soul Mates opening on all dates. Jimmy said, he’s always been particularly proud of Soul Deep. “It was made for all the right reasons and there was something magical about the way it struck a chord with so many people,” he said. “There’s a reason that all those great 60s songs are called “timeless” – the raw stories they tell make sense to every generation.” “I’m really looking forward to revisiting this music again live after all these years too. Hopefully we can remind people why they enjoyed this album so much first time around while also introducing it to a whole new audience.” The original Soul Deep tour is widely regarded as one of Australia’s most legendary live events and this 30th anniversary reprise will feature a 12-piece soul band performing all the hits off this album plus lots of other R&B classics. The Soul Deep 30 tour kicks off on Thursday 16 June at Adelaide Entertainment Centre Arena before heading to Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena on Saturday 18 June, Sydney’s Aware Super Theatre on Friday 24 June, and winding up at Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Saturday 2 July. 60
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SOUL DEEP 30 TOUR SPECIAL GUESTS: The Teskey Brothers (ex ADE), Mahalia Barnes + The Soul Mates (all shows) & David Campbell (ADE only)
JUNE & JULY 2022 Presented by Frontier Touring
ALL SHOWS Thursday 16 June Adelaide Entertainment Centre Arena Adelaide, SA All Ages Saturday 18 June Rod Laver Arena Melbourne, VIC All Ages Friday 24 June Aware Super Theatre Sydney, NSW All Ages Saturday 2 July Brisbane Entertainment Centre Brisbane, QLD All Ages Pre-sale tickets are available now at frontiertouring.com/jimmybarnes.
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Special guest stars Fresh from Josh Teskey performing live on stage with Jimmy at Bluesfest last weekend, The Teskey Brothers will special guest on the Soul Deep 30 shows (excluding Adelaide). The Teskey Brothers are a rare musical gem honouring that old school Motown sound and working it into something of their very own. A commanding combination of soul and blues, it’s only perfect that the smoked whiskey voice of Josh Teskey and raw power of band The Teskey Brothers join the Soul Deep 30 tour.
The powerhouse soul and blues vocalist has been in and around music her entire life, having been exposed to everything from Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Ike + Tina Turner and Ray Charles, so it’s fitting that acclaimed singer-songwriter Mahalia Barnes + The Soul Mates open proceedings at all shows on the tour. Special guest on the opening night of the tour in Adelaide is none other than Barnes’ family royalty and one of Australia’s leading musical theatre and soul singing entertainers, David Campbell. A proven television and radio host, Campbell headlines theatre, cabaret and concert performances, as well as being an ARIA winning, multi-platinum recording artist. Rolling Stone recently named Soul Deep one of the top 50 Australian albums of all time, calling it ‘a revelatory addition to one of the country’s most vital discographies.’ Jimmy Barnes made the original version of Soul Deep at his home studio in Bowral with producer Don Gehman who helmed six albums for Jimmy including classics like Two Fires, Heat and Flesh & Wood. “Don loved my family and wanted to spend Christmas with us,” Jimmy explained in his best-selling book Working Class Man,” Jimmy said. “We would make an album for fun. It didn’t matter if we never released it. We decided to record all the songs I’d liked as a young singer; songs I’d heard on the radio, songs I sang at parties or at soundchecks,” he said.
“We had a great time,” Gehman said of making Soul Deep. “It took literally about two weeks to make the whole record and most of the time was spent trying to figure out which songs to do because there were so many greats. The biggest joy is watching him sing. Because when he goes out and turns on, he’s just amazing. First takes are very common with him.” “One of the things I learned from doing those classic songs was to concentrate on my performance and not to gloss them over with a lot of production,” Jimmy explains. “The important thing about soul music is to touch the emotions.” Soul Deep was Jimmy Barnes’ sixth consecutive chart topper as a solo artist. Since that time, he has enjoyed seven more for a total of 13 (not counting his five with Cold Chisel!) which is more number one albums than any other artist in ARIA Chart history. According to Jimmy, it’s been a labour of love to reimagine Soul Deep after all this time. Jimmy Barnes is the heart and soul of Australian rock and roll. Since 1973, his monumental passion and versatile voice have soundtracked the lives of Australians. Since his music career began, he has gone from strength-tostrength, with countless successful and acclaimed releases, including an impressive 13 #1 solo albums and five #1 albums with Cold Chisel… Jimmy Barnes has topped the charts in Australia more than any other artist. www.thetradie.net
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Local Melbourne Installation company doubles growth in 12 months! Here’s a riddle for you… how does a small business in the construction industry open its doors in the midst of a global pandemic, during a building supply materials shortage, in a state that spent more days in lockdown than any state in the nation (262 days!) and, achieve double-digit growth in 12 months? Killian Cosgrave did exactly this. Director at Melworx, a small business in Victoria specialised in installing mechanical platforms, roof access and more said, “Opportunity can come at any time, you just have to have your eyes open and, be ready.” “I was on a roof installing cladding on a commercial building when I saw a team installing what looked to be a pretty sophisticated looking HVAC deck that was surprisingly installed before I had even finished my cladding work,” Killian continued. Having grown up in a family of builders and entrepreneurs in Ireland, Killian has a keen sense of structural integrity and ingenuity, so he got to talking with the supervisor looking after the platform install. He learnt there was a growing need for Tradies with transferable building skills (individuals with abilities that allow them to positively switch from one discipline to another), to install these plant platforms on a national scale. “I saw the benefits straight away! It was a great opportunity and given that I have a carpentry background and having been in the industry for some time, I knew I could assemble a team that could nail this, no problem,” said Killian. Killian was soon in touch with the company who engineer the condenser decks to suss out how to make the most of what he saw as “an unmissable opportunity.” Con-form Group is considered Australia’s leading engineering company for the manufacture and supply of HVAC&R platforms, platform screens and roof access solutions. “Once set up as an official installer of Con-form Group, the work was instantaneous. We worked to develop a strong relationship with the Project Managers and soon, Melworx went from a team of two to a team of eight pretty quickly!” Even through the constant wave of lockdowns in and around Melbourne, Melworx saw growth new business owners dream of. When asked how he navigated his new business through such a tumultuous period Killian said, “Flexibility was really important throughout all of 2021, there were many weeks where we were scheduling installations only two-days in advanced. And while we work with a number of leading Industry Suppliers and Builders, Con-form Group understand the complexities of running a small business. Their team really worked with us to manage projects carefully to ensure compliance with state restrictions and, help maintain steady flow of work keeping the whole team busy.”
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Nigel Cro Managing Director at Con-form Group said, “We’re passionate about a few key things at Con-form Group, innovation, engineering and supporting Aussie businesses. Nobody achieves anything alone – which is why we’re putting the call out for tradespeople across the country to work with us as a Preferred Installer.” Killian has plans for the future of Melworx, “I’d like to dedicate my energy to my Team. I want to get off tools and ensure the health and continual growth of the business. And with the Team at Con-form Group keeping me busy, we even ventured to South Australia recently, it shouldn’t take too much longer for me to do that. At Melworx, we pride ourselves on making it happen.” “We see our Installers as an extension of our Team at Con-form Group. The quality of work Melworx produces is outstanding and we can’t wait to see what they do next!” Nigel concludes. Contact Con-form Group today! Visit con-formgroup.com.au/ installers to learn more.
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